Danville Express

Community Pulse - March 20, 2009

Obituaries

Sue Ann 'Susie' Cattelan

Sue Ann "Susie" Cattelan, a resident of Danville, died surrounded by her family March 1 at the age of 65.

She was born March 10, 1943. She was the owner of Cattelan's Antiques in Pleasanton. She is survived by her loving husband Ray; her children; and grandchildren. Memorial services were held March 14 at St. Isidore Catholic Church in Danville. Donations can be made in her name to Hospice of the East Bay at 3470 Buskirk Ave., Pleasant Hill 94523.

Joanne Dee Larson

Joanne Dee Larson, a former resident of Danville and Alamo, died March 1 at the age of 78.

She was born Oct. 15, 1930, in Detroit, Mich. She spent her early childhood playing in her mother's dress shop and tending her grandfather's cattle in Worthington, Minn. Her family moved to Berkeley during World War II and her father worked in the shipyard in Vallejo. She went to Dillard Middle School, Berkeley High School and UC Berkeley. After schooling she worked as the executive secretary in the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce and Honeywell Inc. in San Francisco. In 1980 she became a travel agent and worked in Alamo for many years. In 1955, she married Larry Larson, a Colgate Palmolive engineer, and they spent their 53 years of married life together in Berkeley, Walnut Creek, Danville, Alamo and finally Rancho Murieta. They traveled and cruised the world together until last October. During her years in Rancho Murieta she was an active golfer and a regular at the Rancho Murieta Women's Club.

She is survived by her husband Larry; sons Bradley and Gregory Larson; daughter-in-law Jennifer Larson; and granddaughter Krystlyn Giedt. There will be a private family service. Memorial donations can be made to the American Lung Association.

Barbara Mary Cayere

Barbara Mary Cayere, a resident of Alamo, died after a year-long fight with breast cancer, surrounded by loved ones March 7 at the age of 62.

She was born Oct. 17, 1946, in Beaverton, Ore. Following nursing school, she joined the Navy where she served for 22 years. Retiring from the Navy as a full Commander, she remained continued with nursing administration at Kaiser Permanente for another 20 years. She married Paul on Dec. 21, 1974, and they had many wonderful adventures during those 34 years. She loved skiing, the mountains, Hawaii, traveling, a good glass of wine and kitties. She was especially happy to move to Alamo, where she and Paul transformed a 95-year-old farmhouse into their retirement home, which is surrounded by loving families, their children and her roses.

She is survived by her husband Paul and son Christopher; brothers Mark and Richard; sister-in-law and wonderful friend Kathy; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service was held March 14 at San Leandro First Presbyterian Church. Memorial donations can be made to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Joseph Emmett Ward

Joseph Emmett Ward, a resident of Danville, died peacefully surrounded by family March 9 at the age of 81.

He was born April 6, 1927, in Chicago, Ill. He graduated from Northwestern University earning a degree in business marketing and received his MBA from Harvard Business School. He also served the U.S. Navy during World War II. He married Susan Duffy on Feb. 3, 1951. He moved his family to California in 1964 where he was an active member of St. Isidore Parish. He retired from Kaiser Aluminum Co. in Oakland and continued consulting for several years. He enjoyed the great outdoors, snow skiing, backpacking and fishing, especially when accompanied by family or friends.

He is survived by his wife Susan Duffy Ward; brother James Ward of Illinois; sister Jane Moris of New Jersey; sons Mike Ward (MaryEllen), Jim Ward (Esther), Tom Ward (Joan); daughters, Nancy Moore (John), Patti Rinetti (Rick), Mary Beaver (Rick); and nine grandchildren. A funeral Mass was celebrated March 13 at St. Isidore in Danville. Donations can be sent to the American Cancer Society in his name.

Betty S. Drummond

Betty S. Drummond, a former resident of Danville, died March 11 at the age of 77.

She was born May 17, 1931, in Houston, Texas, to Benjamin Peyton Sterrett and Elva Stovall Sterrett. She and her family lived in Danville from 1986 through 1998, where she volunteered with the Danville Newcomers Club, especially in its work with Children's Hospital Oakland, and was active with the Danville Quilters Club and San Ramon Valley High School.

She is survived by her husband, John J. Drummond; daughter Jennifer Drummond and her husband Joseph Lockett; and her brother Conrad Sterrett. A memorial service was held March 15 at the Settegast-Kopf Co. in Sugar Land, Texas.